Legal Question in Traffic Law in Missouri

Got a "careless and reckless driving on parking lot open to public" ticket? I left out of this store (they said they had an item in stock over phone but gave me false info and it wasn't what I asked for) and I got into my car. I was angry that I drove 30 minutes for no reason, so after driving a little I did a small burnout and a cop was about 100 feet away. Long story short, he ended up giving me a careless/reckless driving on open parking lot ticket. I've never had a ticket before, or even pulled over before.

The parking lot was 70% empty where I burned out, and I burned out going forward (no donuts or anything of the like). What should I do? I have a court date for this ticket, and was told by the officer that it could go up to 6 points on my record. I'm thinking of getting a lawyer and fighting it, because I think it wasn't severe enough for such a high ticket considering it was my first violation after driving for 2 years (I'm 18).


Asked on 7/24/10, 9:23 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

If you get an attorney to represent you, they might be able to to get plea down to a nonmoving violation, so it will not affect your license.

Good luck

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Answered on 7/26/10, 9:28 pm
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

You definitely should hire an attorney. It will probably cost you between $100 and $250 or so, but it will be worth it. The attorney should be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor that will avoid any pooints being assessed against your license and will save you a lot of money and aggravation in the meantime. If you try to "fight it" the judge will believe the cop and not you resulting in a conviction and points against your record in addition to a fine and court costs. As an aside, your are considered an adult for most legal purposes, you should figure out some way to manage your anger that does not involve an automobile. Although what you di in this case probably seems completely innocentto you, this type of thing can lead to further involvement with law enforcement authorities and possible other negative consequences. Good luck with your ticket!

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Answered on 7/29/10, 10:14 am


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